Mast cells contain an abundance of tryptase, and preclinical models have shown elevated serum mast cell tryptase (SMCT) in the setting of post-traumatic joint contractures. Therefore, SMCT emerged as a potential biomarker to help recognize patients with more severe injuries and a higher likelihood of developing contractures. The objective of this study is to assess SMCT levels in participants with varying severity of elbow fractures and/or dislocations. A prospective cohort including 13 participants with more severe injuries that required an operation and 28 participants with less severe injuries managed non-operatively were evaluated. A control group of 8 individuals without elbow injuries was also evaluated. The SMCT levels were measured using an ELISA kit specific for human mast cell tryptase. A one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s Honest Significance Test was used to assess for statistical significance among and between the three groups. The average time from injury to collection of the blood samples was 4 ± 2 days. Highly significant differences were identified between the operative, non-operative, and control groups (p = 0.0005). In the operative group, SMCT levels were significantly higher than the non-operative group (p=0.0005) and the control group (p=0.009), suggesting a correlation between SMCT levels and injury severity. There was no statistically significant difference in SMCT levels between the non-operative and control groups. The SMCT levels were elevated in participants with acute elbow injuries requiring operative intervention, suggesting that SMCT levels were higher in injuries regarded as more severe. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
